Activity Of Sulfate-reducing Bacteria Research Articles

Long-term performance and mechanism of in-situ biogenetic sulfidated zero-valent iron for enhanced nitrate reduction

The biogenetic sulfidation of zero-valent iron (BS-ZVI) by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) has been demonstrated to enhance the reactivity of ZVI. However, long-term performance of BS-ZVI and related mechanism were still unknown. Therefore, columns containing sponge iron and SRB are built to prepare BS-ZVI in-situ and study its long-term performance. Over 80 % of NO3‾ was reduced to NH4+ by in-situ BS-ZVI within 140 days, which was higher than the sole ZVI treatment (40 %-60 %). The bonding of ZVI and FeSx was in-situ firstly and finally loaded on ZVI. The reduction of Fe(III) by S(−II) and SRB contributed to the formation of FeSx, which improved the electrons transfer. Moreover, BS-ZVI enhanced the enzymes activity of SRB, thus accelerating the metabolic transformation of lactic acid to acetic acid. The accumulation of acetic acid enhanced the removal efficiency of NO3‾ through the dissolution of passivation layer. Overall, this study demonstrated a reactivity enhancement of ZVI through biogenetic sulfidation, which provided a new alternative method for the remediation of groundwater.

Potential for formation of methylated thioarsenates in geothermal environments

Geothermal waters typically have elevated arsenic (As) concentrations. Various As species have been identified, including methylated thioarsenates, which present a high environmental and health risk due to high mobility and toxicity. Upon discharge from hot springs, temperature and geogenic sulfide excess decrease, while redox potential increases. The combined effects of those parameters on activities of sulfate-reducing bacteria and methanogens and thereby on extent of As methylation versus thiolation is currently unknown. Here, we incubated sediments from alkaline hot springs and outflow channels at the Tengchong geothermal region in southwestern China, where inorganic and methylated thioarsenates had been detected, at temperatures between 20 to 90 °C with different initial aqueous As and sulfur species. Results from field samples and incubation experiments showed methylated thioarsenates, but no methylated oxyarsenates, implying quantitative thiolation even at low sulfide concentrations. Enrichment cultures derived from one sediment with quantitative formation of dimethyl-dithioarsenate (DMDTA) at 55 °C, showed a dominance of inorganic trithioarsenate at 35 °C and monomethylated thioarsenates at 55 °C when incubated with two other sediments. The rate-limiting step was microbially mediated As methylation from arsenite, which was not observed at 20 °C or >= 75 °C, in contrast to thiolation of already methylated arsenates. Addition of free sulfide and thiosulfate to incubation experiments promoted formation of inorganic or monomethylated high-thiolated arsenates, while sulfate promoted full methylation and formation of DMDTA, probably due to continuous low supply of microbially produced sulfide. Since DMDTA is more mobile and toxic than inorganic and monomethylated thioarsenates, understanding constraints to its formation is especially important for future risk assessment

Improving contaminant removal and inhibiting CH4 and H2S emissions from septic tanks: Nitrified human urine as a source of electron acceptor

Septic tanks are widely adopted in decentralized household wastewater treatment systems serving billions of people globally. Due to the lack of effective electron acceptors, insufficient nutrient removal and the emission of harmful gases, e. g. H2S, CH4, etc., are the common drawbacks. In the present work, we attempted to supplement nitrite into septic tanks as an electron acceptor, via nitrifying human urine source-separated from blackwater, to overcome these drawbacks. Partial or complete nitritation of source-separated urine was achieved in a sequencing batch reactor. The addition of nitrified urine into septic tanks improved organic and nitrogen removals in blackwater up to 90 % and 70 %, respectively. The emission of harmful gases from the septic tanks was stably diminished, with more than 75 % of CH4, CO2 and H2S reductions. Nitrite addition significantly reduced the abundance of hydrogenotrophic methanogens in septic tanks. Though the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria recovered after the initial inhibition upon nitrite addition, the bio-generated H2S was retained in water since the increased wastewater pH after nitrite addition promoted the disassociation of H2S in aqueous solution.

Risk of hydrogen sulfide pollution from pressure release resulting from landfill mining

Landfill mining (LFM) has gained widespread recognition due to its benefits in terms of resource utilization of landfill waste and reuse of landfill sites. However, it is important to thoroughly assess the associated environmental risks. This study simulated the pressure release induced from LFM in small-scale batch anaerobic reactors subject to different initial pressures (0.2–0.6 MPa). The potential risk of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) pollution resulting from pressure release caused by LFM was investigated. The results demonstrated that the concentration of H2S significantly increased following the simulated pressure treatments. At the low (25 °C) and high (50 °C) temperatures tested, the peak H2S concentration reached 19366 and 24794 mg·m−3, respectively. Both of these concentrations were observed under highest initial pressure condition (0.6 MPa). However, the duration of H2S release was remarkably longer (>90 days) at the low temperature tested. Microbial diversity analysis results revealed that, at tested low temperature, the sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) communities of various pressure-bearing environments became phylogenetically similar following the pressure releases. In contrast, at the high temperature tested, specific SRB genera (Desulfitibacter and Candidatus Desulforudis) showed further enrichment. Moreover, the intensified sulfate reduction activity following pressure release was attributed to the enrichment of specific SRBs, including Desulfovibrio (ASV585 and ASV1417), Desulfofarcimen (ASV343), Candidatus Desulforudis (ASV24), and Desulfohalotomaculum (ASV506 and ASV2530). These results indicate that the pressure release associated with LFM significantly increases the amount of H2S released from landfills, and the SRB communities have different response mechanisms to pressure release at different temperature conditions. This study highlights the importance of considering the potential secondary environmental risks associated with LFM.

Sulfate-reducing consortium HQ23 stabilizes metal(loid)s and activates biological N-fixation in mixed heavy metal-contaminated soil

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are used in the remediation of mine pollution; however, the mechanism of stabilizing multiple heavy metal(loid)s by the SRB consortium under low oxygen conditions needs further study. Indigenous microflora were extracted from non-ferrous metal-contaminated soil co-inoculated with enriched SRB consortium and assembled as the HQ23 consortium. The presence of Desulfovibrio (SRB) in HQ23 was confirmed by 16S rRNA sequencing and qPCR. The effects of culture media, dissolved oxygen (DO), SO42¯, and pH on the HQ23 growth rate, and the SO42¯-reducing activity were examined. Data indicates that the HQ23 sustained SRB function under low DO conditions (3.67 ± 0.1 mg/L), but the SRB activity was inhibited at high DO content (5.75 ± 0.39 mg/L). The HQ23 can grow from pH 5 to pH 9 and can decrease mobile or bioavailable Cr, Cu, and Zn concentrations in contaminated soil samples. FTIR revealed that Cu and Cr adsorbed to similar binding sites on bacteria, likely decreasing bacterial Cu toxicity. Increased abundances of DSV (marker for Desulfovibrio) and nifH (N-fixation) genes were observed, as well as an accumulation of nitrate-N content in soils suggesting that HQ23 stimulates the biological N-fixation in soils. This study strongly supports the future application of SRB for the bioremediation of heavy metal-polluted sites.

Study on the screening of marine beneficial bacteria and the inhibition of sulfate-reducing bacteria corrosion in marine oil field produced water

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to provide ideas and theoretical guidance for green, environmentally friendly and efficient “bacteriostasis with bacteria” technology.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, a beneficial strain of bacteria was extracted and purified from marine mud. Weight-loss test, morphological observation and electrochemical test were used to systematically study the effect of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB)-induced corrosion inhibition on X65 steel in simulated offshore oil field production water.FindingsThe results showed that a beneficial strain was selected and identified as Vibrio alginolyticus. Under the condition of co-culture of SRB, the average corrosion rate of X65 steel was significantly reduced. In the mixed bacterial system, the surface of X65 steel samples was relatively flat, and the structure of biofilm and corrosion product film was dense. The number of corrosion pits, the average diameter and depth of corrosion pits were significantly reduced. The localized corrosion of X65 steel was significantly inhibited.Originality/valueThe complex and changing marine environment makes the corrosion problem of marine steel increasingly severe, and the microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) caused by SRB is particularly serious. The research and development of environmentally friendly corrosion protection technology is a long-term and difficult problem. The use of beneficial microorganisms to control MIC is a green and efficient anticorrosion measure. Compared with terrestrial microorganisms, marine microorganisms can adapt to complex environments, and their metabolites exhibit special biological activities. The use of marine beneficial bacteria can inhibit SRB activity to achieve the corrosion inhibition effect.

Synergistic effect of microorganisms and a direct current electric field on X70 steel corrosion in a near-neutral solution

In this paper, the corrosion behavior of X70 steel in the near-neutral simulated soil solution (NS4 solution) under the synergistic effect of sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) and a direct current electric field (DCEF) were explored. The corrosion rate was determined with the electrochemical technique and the corrosion morphology and corrosion products were respectively characterized by SEM and XPS. In the sterile solution, corrosion morphology of X70 steel was pitting and the corrosion rate increased with the increase in DCEF intensity and exposure time. When DCEF was absent, the corrosion rate of X70 steel in bacterial NS4 solution was faster than that in the sterile solution and the corrosion morphology was general corrosion. The acceleration effect of DCEF on corrosion was more significant than that of SRB. Under the synergistic effect of SRB and DCEF, when DCEF intensity increased below 500 V/m, the metabolic activity of SRB was gradually enhanced and the corrosion rate of X70 steel decreased. The protective effect of biofilm weakened the acceleration effect of DCEF on corrosion and the corrosion behavior was controlled by SRB corrosion. When DCEF intensity increased above 1000 V/m, SRB cells were inactivated and the corrosion rate of X70 steel increased. The corrosion behavior of X70 steel was controlled by DCEF. Based on the above research results, preventative actions were proposed.

The Corrosion Behaviors of X70 Steel Under the Effect of Alternating Current and Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria in Seawater

The influence of alternating current (AC) and sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) on the corrosion behaviors of X70 steel in seawater was investigated by different electrochemical tests and surface examination methods. It was found that the activity of SRB was affected by AC. When the AC current density sustains at the low level of 0 A/m2 and 50 A/m2, the activity of SRB is not high enough to produce a significant impact on the AC-induced corrosion process. As the current density increases to 80 A/m2 and 100 A/m2, SRB could alter the corrosion kinetics by forming a more intact film on the corrosion surface. However, the activity of SRB is inhibited by AC with the current density up to 200 A/m2. The intact corrosion product formed by SRB in high activity could influence the AC corrosion kinetics, but the product film can not prevent AC-induced corrosion. The localized corrosion was more significant under the effect of AC and SRB probably because the biofilm formed by SRB produced uneven electrochemical properties on the corrosion surface.

Mercury supply limits methylmercury production in paddy soils

The neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg) is a product of inorganic mercury (IHg) after microbial transformation. Yet it remains unclear whether microbial activity or IHg supply dominates Hg methylation in paddies, hotspots of MeHg formation. Here, we quantified the response of MeHg production to changes in microbial activity and Hg supply using 63 paddy soils under the common scenario of straw amendment, a globally prevalent agricultural practice. We demonstrate that the IHg supply is the limiting factor for Hg methylation in paddies. This is because IHg supply is generally low in soils and can largely be facilitated (by 336–747 %) by straw amendment. The generally high activities of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) do not limit Hg methylation, even though SRB have been validated as the predominant microbial Hg methylators in paddies in this study. These findings caution against the mobilization of legacy Hg triggered by human activities and climate change, resulting in increased MeHg production and the subsequent flux of this potent neurotoxin to our dining tables.

Multi-approach assessment of groundwater biogeochemistry: Implications for the site characterization of prospective spent nuclear fuel repository sites

The disposal of spent nuclear fuel in deep subsurface repositories using multi-barrier systems is considered to be the most promising method for preventing radionuclide leakage. However, the stability of the barriers can be affected by the activities of diverse microbes in subsurface environments. Therefore, this study investigated groundwater geochemistry and microbial populations, activities, and community structures at three potential spent nuclear fuel repository construction sites. The microbial analysis involved a multi-approach including both culture-dependent, culture-independent, and sequence-based methods for a comprehensive understanding of groundwater biogeochemistry. The results from all three sites showed that geochemical properties were closely related to microbial population and activities. Total number of cells estimates were strongly correlated to high dissolved organic carbon; while the ratio of adenosine-triphosphate:total number of cells indicated substantial activities of sulfate reducing bacteria. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that the microbial communities differed across the three sites, with each featuring microbes performing distinctive functions. In addition, our multi-approach provided some intriguing findings: a site with a low relative abundance of sulfate reducing bacteria based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed high populations during most probable number incubation, implying that despite their low abundance, sulfate reducing bacteria still played an important role in sulfate reduction within the groundwater. Moreover, a redundancy analysis indicated a significant correlation between uranium concentrations and microbial community compositions, which suggests a potential impact of uranium on microbial community. These findings together highlight the importance of multi-methodological assessments in better characterizing groundwater biogeochemical properties for the selection of potential spent nuclear fuel disposal sites.

Anomalous Gold Concentrations in Hypersaline Wetland Sediments (Laguna Honda, South Spain) Caused by Nanoparticles Used in Agricultural Practices: Environmental Transformation.

Illite-rich sediments from the Laguna Honda wetland, an eutrophicated hypersaline wetland with waters enriched in Mg and Ca surrounded by olive groves in the Guadalquivir Basin River (South Spain), are polluted by elevated concentrations of gold (up to 21.9 ppm) due to agricultural practices. The highest gold contents appear in the shore sediments of the lake, where up to 20 µm homoaggregates of fused gold nanoparticles (AuNp) are found. Small nanoaggregates of up to six fused gold nanoparticles and very few isolated nanoparticles around 1 nm in size can also be observed to form heteroaggregates of AuNp-mica, especially in the deeper sediments in the central part of the wetland, where Au concentrations are lower (up to 1.89 ppm). The high nanoparticle concentration caused by the inappropriate application of pesticides favors nanoparticle collision in the wetland's Mg- and Ca-rich waters and the fast coagulation and deposition of Au homoaggregates in the gold-rich shore sediment of the lake. The interaction of gold nanoparticles with the abundant illite particles in the wetland's hypersaline waters promotes the simultaneous formation of low-density Au-illite heteroaggregates, which are transported and deposited in the less-rich-in-gold sediments of the central part of the lake. The small sizes of the isolated AuNp and AuNp-fused contacts of the aggregates suggest modifications in the original nanoparticles involving dissolution processes. The presence of bacterial communities resistant to heavy metal stress (Luteolibacter and Maricaulis), as well as the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and particularly sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) communities from the shore sediments, favored the high-Eh and low-pH conditions adequate for the destabilization and transport of AuNp.

Marine particle microbiomes during a spring diatom bloom contain active sulfate-reducing bacteria.

Phytoplankton blooms fuel marine food webs with labile dissolved carbon and also lead to the formation of particulate organic matter composed of living and dead algal cells. These particles contribute to carbon sequestration and are sites of intense algal-bacterial interactions, providing diverse niches for microbes to thrive. We analyzed 16S and 18S ribosomal RNA gene amplicon sequences obtained from 51 time points and metaproteomes from 3 time points during a spring phytoplankton bloom in a shallow location (6-10m depth) in the North Sea. Particulate fractions larger than 10µm diameter were collected at near daily intervals between early March and late May in 2018. Network analysis identified two major modules representing bacteria co-occurring with diatoms and with dinoflagellates, respectively. The diatom network module included known sulfate-reducing Desulfobacterota as well as potentially sulfur-oxidizing Ectothiorhodospiraceae. Metaproteome analyses confirmed presence of key enzymes involved in dissimilatory sulfate reduction, a process known to occur in sinking particles at greater depths and in sediments. Our results indicate the presence of sufficiently anoxic niches in the particle fraction of an active phytoplankton bloom to sustain sulfate reduction, and an important role of benthic-pelagic coupling for microbiomes in shallow environments. Our findings may have implications for the understanding of algal-bacterial interactions and carbon export during blooms in shallow-water coastal areas.

Investigating organic sulfur in estuarine and offshore environments: A combined field and cultivation approach

Estuarine-offshore sediments accumulate substantial particulate organic matter, containing organic sulfur as a key component. However, the distribution and sources of organic sulfur in such environments remain poorly understood. This study investigated organic sulfur in the Yangtze River Estuary and adjacent East China Sea. Dissolved organic sulfur varied from 0.65 to 1.99 μmol/L (molar S:C 0.006–0.018), while particulate organic sulfur ranged from 0.42 to 2.69 μmol/L (molar S:C 0.007–0.082). Sedimentary organic sulfur exhibited a similar molar S:C ratio (0.014–0.071) to particulate organic sulfur in bottom water, implying that particulate matter deposition is a potential source. Furthermore, sediments exposed to frequent hypoxia harbored significantly higher organic sulfur and S:C values compared to non-hypoxic areas. Laboratory incubation experiments revealed the underlying mechanism: sustained activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria in hypoxic sediments led to a substantial increase in sedimentary organic sulfur (from 15 to 53 μmol/g) within 600 days. This microbially driven sulfurization rendered over 90 % of the organic sulfur resistant to acid hydrolysis. Therefore, this study demonstrates that, alongside particle deposition, microbial sulfurization significantly contributes to organic sulfur enrichment and likely promotes organic matter preservation in estuarine-offshore sediments, particularly under hypoxic conditions. This finding advances our understanding of organic sulfur sources in these vital ecosystems.

Review of bacterial sulfate reduction in lacustrine deposition and its identification in the Jimsar Sag, Junggar Basin

Bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) is the interaction between sulfates and organic matter that bacteria participate in during the early diagenetic stage. It is one of the important biogeochemical processes that affect the formation of sulfides and sulfur cycling. Due to the lack of sulfate in the lakes, there is relatively little research on lacustrine bacterial sulfate reduction (LBSR), and related research mainly focuses on marine sedimentation. Marine incursion and volcanic ash may bring sulfate to lakes, providing a possibility for the occurrence of LBSR. The process, main influencing factors, and identification methods of BSR are summarized systematically. Through comprehensive analysis, it is believed that the occurrence depth of LBSR is relatively shallow (about 10 cm). Sulfate concentration, total organic matter, and sulfate reducing bacteria activity are the main controlling factors of BSR. The petrological and geochemical characteristics of the product are commonly used indicators to determine whether BSR occurs. The Jimsar Sag is one of the important shale oil rich areas in China. Taking Jimsar Sag as an example, the identification of LBSR was attempted. Based on the characteristics of framboidal pyrite, columnar calcite, and fine-grained dolomite, comprehensive analysis suggests that LBSR has occurred in the Lucaogou Formation of the Jimsar Sag. BSR has a significant effect on the degradation of organic matter, and TOC is usually lower in areas with higher intensity. Therefore, BSR has impact on the enrichment of organic matter in shale. The relevant research may have reference significance for the enrichment of lacustrine organic matter and shale oil exploration.

Гуанідінійвмісний олігомер як інгібітор мікробної корозії металу

Guanidinium-containing oligomers, a poorly studied class of organic compounds, have attracted attention due to their bactericidal properties. A guanidinium-containing oligomer based on an aliphatic oligoepoxide is a newly synthesized substance with bactericidal activity, which gives it the prospects for use as a microbial corrosion inhibitor. Aim. The goal of the study was to synthesize oligomeric alkyl substituted guanidinium bromide and study of its anticorrosive properties in the presence of steel under the influence of corrosive active sulfate-reducing bacteria. Methods. The guanidine-containing alkyl substituted oligomer was obtained by the reaction of the aliphatic oligoepoxide DEG-1 with guanidine, followed by interaction with alkyl bromide. The anticorrosive properties of the guanidine-containing oligomer were studied using collection strains of sulfate-reducing bacteria: UCM B-11503 Desulfovibrio sp.10, UCM B-11501 Desulfovibrio desulfuricans DSM642, and UCM B-11502 Desulfovibrio vulgaris DSM644. The sulfate-reducing bacteria were grown on Postgate В medium for 14 days at a temperature of 28 ± 2 °C. The number of bacteria was determined by the method of tenfold dilution. The corrosion rate was determined by the gravimetric method. The physicochemical parameters of pH and redox potential of the bacterial culture liquid were studied by the potentiometric method. The accumulation of hydrogen sulfide in the culture liquid was determined by the iodometric method. Lipolytic activity was studied spectrophotometrically using a KFK-3 device by reaction with p-nitrophenyl palmitate, catalase activity — using 0.03% hydrogen peroxide, which formed a stable colored complex with a 4% molybdenum diphosphate solution. The specific activity of the studied enzymes was expressed as unit ∙ mg-1 protein. Protein was determined in the supernatant by the conventional Lowry method. Results. It was shown that the oligomer based on aliphatic oligoepoxide has biocidal properties. A significant inhibition of the development of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) was observed after the oligomer was added; only dozens of bacterial cells were detected in the medium after the exposure period. The corrosion rate of steel in the presence of SBR without addition of inhibitors was 0.15 — 0.35 mg/cm2∙h. The addition of DPC (a quaternary ammonium compound based on N-decylpyridinium chloride) (Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI), Ukraine) to the culture medium led to a decrease in the steel corrosion rate to 0.032 — 0.047 mg ∙ cm-2 h-1 (by 6.5—10.6 times). In the presence of Armohib CI-28 inhibitor (based on Diamine Ethoxylate) (Akzonobel, Holland), the corrosion rate was reduced to 0.02—0.039 mg ∙ cm-2 h-1 (by 4.2 — 12.7 times). The addition of guanidinium-containing oligomer to the medium with bacteria reduced the corrosion rate to 0.075—0.079 mg/cm2 ∙ h (by 2.5—2.7 times). According to the mass loss of steel samples, the degree of metal protection against microbial corrosion in the presence of guanidinium-containing oligomer was 60.15—63.17%. Conclusions. The obtained data indicate that the guanidinium-containing oligomer based on aliphatic oligoepoxy has biocidal and anticorrosive properties and is promising for use as a means of combating microbially induced corrosion.

Study of the bactericidal effect of dialkylamine complex salts of oleic acid on the vital activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria

Study of the bactericidal effect of dialkylamine complex salts of oleic acid on the vital activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria

Enhanced Biogenic Sulfidation of Zero-Valent Iron in Columns: Implications for Promoting Dechlorination in Permeable Reactive Barriers.

Biogenic sulfidation of zero-valent iron (ZVI) using sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) has shown enhanced dechlorination rates comparable to those produced by chemical sulfidation. However, controlling and sustaining biogenic sulfidation to enhance in situ dechlorination are poorly understood. Detailed interactions between SRB and ZVI were examined for 4 months in column experiments under enhanced biogenic sulfidation conditions. SRB proliferation and changes in ZVI surface properties were characterized along the flow paths. The results show that ZVI can stimulate SRB activity by removing excessive free sulfide (S2-), in addition to lowering reduction potential. ZVI also hinders downgradient movement of SRB via electrostatic repulsion, restricting SRB presence near the upgradient interface. Dissolved organic carbon (e.g., >2.2 mM) was essential for intense biogenic sulfidation in ZVI columns. The presence of SRB in the upgradient zone appeared to promote the formation of iron polysulfides. Biogenic FeSx deposition increased the S content on ZVI surfaces ∼3-fold, corresponding to 3-fold and 2-fold improvements in the trichloroethylene degradation rate and electron efficiency in batch tests. Elucidation of SRB and ZVI interactions enhances sustained sulfidation in ZVI permeable reactive barrier.

AMINOMETHOXY DERIVATIVES OF 1-BENZYLTHIOOCTANE AS A BIOCORROSION INHIBITOR

Based on benzylthioctane-2-ol, heterocyclic amines (piperidine, morpholine, hexamethyleneimine), and formaldehyde, new Mannich bases were synthesized. The reaction was carried out at a temperature of 45–500C for 3–4 h. in an equimolar ratio of starting compounds. The yield of target products was 70–74%. The physicochemical data of the synthesized compounds were determined. The composition and structure of the target products were confirmed by elemental analysis, IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Their influence on the vital activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria of the Desulfovibrio desulfiricans type at three con¬centrations (25, 50, 100 mg/l) was studied. The obtained compounds showed high bactericidal pro¬perties, since 1% solutions of these compounds in isopropyl alcohol at a concentration of 100 mg/l showed a 100% bactericidal effect. Given that the aminomethoxy derivatives of 1-benzylthiooctane affect bacteria at very low concentrations, they can be proposed as effective inhibitors of sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB).

Biotic-Abiotic Radial-Acicular Crystal Fan Fabrics with Rosickýite at the Angel Springs Tufa-Travertine Deposit in Southern British Columbia

Abstract The tufa-travertine deposit at Angel Springs developed through the interaction of thermal waters with bedrock of the Proterozoic Okanagan Gneiss, which extends along the eastern margin of the Okanagan Valley fault system in south-central British Columbia. This warm spring is proximal to Miocene plateau basalt flows that cut the Okanagan Gneiss bedrock eastward of the Okanagan Valley. The carbonate deposit, which is widely referenced as tufa, consists of a tufa and an overlying travertine. These texturally and petrographically different deposits developed in response to a shift in the groundwater pathway wherein the surface discharge transitioned from multiple vents of the tufa to a single downslope vent pool of the overlying travertine. Lower interval tufa fabrics are characterized by networks of fenestral-type porosity supported by a framework of curvilinear stromatolitic sheets of calcite that resulted from the partial coalescence of sub-horizontal arrays of calcite-encrusted cyanobacteria. These tufa fabrics aligned with the strong stream flow emanating from multiple vents. In contrast, radial crystal fan fabrics of the upper interval travertine developed with the transition from biotic calcite encrustations of upward branching cyanobacteria to the abiotic development of radial crystal fans. Length-long mouldic porosity tubules were occluded as the abiotic sheaf- and fan-shaped crystal growth surfaces expanded radially with rapid degassing. Core areas of the radial crystal arrays coalesced and were partially recrystallized, resulting in spheroidal crystalline fabrics that preserve inclusion-delineated concentric growth surfaces. Syntaxial overgrowths of radially aligned acicular crystals rapidly expanded from these core areas of coalesced calcite, resulting in the formation of abiotic radial-acicular and starburst crystal arrangements. The biotic–abiotic transition resulted in the rapid growth of abiotic crystal fans as the dominant deposition process of the upper interval travertine fabrics, but not in the lower interval tufa fabrics. Activities of sulfate-reducing bacteria in the sulfate-rich thermal water of both intervals resulted in precipitation of rosickýite, the monoclinic polymorph of S, as nanocrystalline globular protuberances on surfaces of calcite crystals. This is the first recorded occurrence of rosickýite in a tufa-travertine deposit and the first recognition of this mineral in Canada.

Effect of Photo Irradiation on the Anaerobic Digestion of Waste Sewage Sludge-Reduced Methane and Hydrogen Sulfide Productions

Since a large amount of sewage sludge (WSS) is generated daily, exploring effective methods for utilizing WSS is necessary. Although a photo-fermentation system sometimes alters the characteristics of microbial functions, there have been no attempts to perform photo-fermentation using WSS, which is regularly treated via dark fermentation. In this study, the effect of photo-fermentation (photo-irradiation) on anaerobic digestion using WSS was revealed. Photo-irradiation during the anaerobic digestion of WSS significantly reduced the amount of methane and hydrogen sulfide. Methane production was also reduced 5.6-fold at 13 days under light conditions, whereas hydrogen sulfide was consumed almost completely at 6 days. However, it was shown that the activity of sulfate-reducing bacteria in WSS under light treatment increased. Photo-irradiation also stimulated the growth of green sulfur bacteria and induced anoxygenic photosynthesis, via which process the fermented samples turned green in a manner that was correlated with their consumption of hydrogen sulfide. The production of organic acids was lowered in the samples that were irradiated using light. Finally, dark/light switching fermentation was only able to reduce hydrogen sulfide while methane production remained the same. The amounts of methane and hydrogen sulfide were 35 mmol/g VS, and they were undetected at 58 days in photo-irradiated samples compared to the control samples that produced 37 mmol/g VS of methane and 15 ppm/g VS of hydrogen sulfide.